Columns
Custom Shop: Serek Basses
In this edition of “Custom Shop,” we chat with Jake Serek of Serek Basses on his musical start, his ideas on bass design, the importance of trying to be a little better every day, and more.
Making Do With Bass Gear
A reader sent Damian a question this week regarding his view on the bass-related equipment, saying “it is much, much smaller than for other instruments” and what to do about it. Damian answers this in 2 parts: one that’s directly related and one that offers a different take.
How To Play Through Difficult Tunes
This week, someone asked me how to play through "Giant Steps," so I made this video to break down my process. We'll dive into working through difficult sets of changes and talk about how to think about it.
Ask Damian Erskine: Call for Questions
For nearly 10 years, I’ve been writing a weekly Q&A column here on No Treble. It has been an exciting journey, and every once in a while, the well runs dry. So, here’s a “Call for Questions” post!
Bass Players To Know: Ross Valory
Harmonically clever and tonally unique, Ross Valory’s playing can be heard on most of Journey’s catalog and the hits that we know and love (or have heard a thousand times), certifying him as the latest Bass Player to Know.
What Is It To “Play Compositionally”?
What do you think people mean when they say, “play compositionally”? That’s the question a reader sent Damian this week. Check out what he has to say on the subject.
Who Should I Transcribe?
A reader sent Damian a question on the topic of transcribing after getting advice from others he didn’t agree with. Damian offers up his recommendations on how to approach transcribing as one of the important learning exercises in our bass playing.
Dealing with “String Ring” While Slapping
Damian answers this question in this new “Ask” column this week: “I got a 6-string not too long ago and I’ve been having a hard time with string ring... Is there anything I can do about that?”
Is There a Right Way To Set My EQ?
A reader sent Damian a question asking about all the knobs on his bass (and even more on his amp). The specific question is: “Is There a Right Way To Set My EQ?” Check out what Damian has to say.
The Lightbulb Moment: Playing Inside The Box
Some people call it “serving the song.” In Ryan’s new “Lightbulb Moment,” she talks about playing inside - and sometimes - outside the box, including covering the literal box patterns on bass.